Moana Pasifika halfback Augustine Pulu has copped a three match suspension for his ugly high shot against the Blues during their 43-7 defeat at Eden Park on Sunday.
Pulu was shown a red carded for his high tackle on Blues halfback, Sam Nock in the 17th minute.
Super Rugby Pacific found him guilty of a dangerous tackle, determining a mid-range entry point of six weeks weeks was appropriate for the incident in which Pulu made direct contact with his swinging arm against an opponent's head, with no mitigation.
Pulu was given a 50 percent reduction in sanction after accepting his guilt, remorse and his previous disciplinary record.
He was also given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme as a substitute for the final match of the sanction.
Pulu will at least miss Saturday’s home game against the Crusaders, and next Friday's home fixture against the Highlanders.
Pulu was immediately apologetic for flattening Nock. The pair were former team-mates at the Blues and embraced when Nock walked off for treatment.
After the match, Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga admitted exit of Pulu damaged his team’s chances of beating the Blues.
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika will face the Crusaders at 6.05pm Saturday.
In other matches, the Highlanders will host Hurricanes at 6.05pm Friday, the Brumbies will meet the Chiefs at 8.35pm, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face the Reds at 3.35pm Saturday and the Waratahs will take on the Blues at 8.35pm Saturday.
